AmaMagna

March 2019

We were treated to a real surprise when we arrived early morning in Linz, Austria! AMA Waterways brought their brand new not even finished ship, the AmaMagna, into port next to us! We tied up to it were given a tour of this beautiful new ship! we just weren’t allowed to take pictures onboard, just the pics from our ship of the outside with the name.

It’s still under construction but we were able to get a feeling for the size and differences in this ship from the one we were on. We were like little kids, excited about each new area we saw. You could really see how beautiful and comfortable this ship will be. It’s twice as wide as their other ships, but will only hold 20% more passengers-so you will have even more space. This is definitely a game changer in river cruising and I am excited to see the AmaMagna when finished!

We saw this when we went to the reception area of our ship and were so excited!

Below is information from AMA Waterways website about the new ship:

COMING MAY 2019

An evolution of AmaWaterways’ award-winning European river fleet, AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river ships with ocean-worthy amenities and the intimacy and beauty only the Danube River provides. With more personal space and more opportunities for dining and leisure, AmaWaterways’ latest innovation is the floating oasis of your dreams – redefining river cruising as we know it!

AmaMagna’s expansive breadth is a welcome bonus for discerning travelers and frequent ocean cruisers who appreciate the added luxury afforded by generous personal space. In fact, most of her accommodations are ultra-spacious suites measuring 355-710 sq. ft. and featuring full balconies, so you can stretch your legs while taking in the ever-changing scenery. AmaMagna also has sizable bathrooms, many boasting double sinks and a deluxe walk-in shower, allowing you to rejuvenate without limitations.

As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, AmaWaterways will treat you to our trademark exquisite, locally inspired cuisine on board AmaMagna—but now there’s even more to whet your appetite. In addition to AmaMagna’s Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant—where the kitchen, usually hidden, becomes part of the entertainment—you’ll savor fresh, masterfully prepared cuisine within the new Al Fresco Restaurant, featuring retractable windows, as well as Jimmy’s, a family-style bar and restaurant named for AmaWaterways’ beloved late co-owner, Jimmy Murphy. All of this is available to you at no additional cost. So, go ahead—indulge!

From swimming in the sun-deck pool to relaxing in the whirlpool to exercising in the Zen Wellness Studio, AmaMagna offers a variety of activities to accommodate everyone’s tastes. Plus, you can participate in a new river-bound activity exclusive to AmaMagna. Board a Sundowner boat accommodating just 14 guests for an intimate excursion departing from AmaMagna’s groundbreaking Water Sports Platform. On select sailings you can participate in an exclusive Concierge Golf Program to keep up with—or even improve—your game. You can also visit the hair salon, stop in one of two spas, or get a manicure and pedicure.

Budapest, Hungary

March 14-16, 2019

AMA Waterways River Cruise

I arrived in Budapest the evening before the river cruise started. I stayed at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge right on the river and it had spectacular views across the river to Buda.

Breakfast in the club lounge with beautiful views.

Views from my room

The Szechneyi Baths were perfect after traveling. It was a chilly and breezy high 40’s but the mineral baths were hot!

Faust Wine Cellar is in one of Budapest’s underground caves. It was cool and very atmospheric!

St. Matthias Church is up on Castle Hill.

The Hungarian Parliament is an iconic building on the Danube. It’s the picture you see whenever you hear about Budapest or river cruises.

Fisherman’s Bastion is right near the church and has great idea over the city and river.

Parliament

Shoes on the Danube is a memorial to those lost here during the Holocaust.

Sooo excited to board our river cruise today! This is our 8 day itinerary.

The beautiful AMALea by AMA Waterways

Pictures and floor plan for our balcony cabin.

She looks just as pretty in person!

Some pictures of the ship.

They are flying our flag!!

The dinner Menu our first night.

Dinner was amazing! AMA is known for its fine dining.

After dinner we went up to the sundeck and the ship sails along the Danube and all the buildings are illuminated, it’s so beautiful!

Some brave swimmers in the warm water but for me it was way too cold! It was bitterly cold and raining, almost felt like sleet but it didn’t stop us. They were coming around with glasses of schnapps to keep us warm.

The beautiful Chain Bridge

The Central Market Hall or Nagyvásárcsarnokis a great place to wander, shop and eat!

Lunch at a local cafe for some traditional Hungarian fare.

Not sure how I will eat dinner tonight! I was only able to eat about 1/3 of this massive plate.

Tonight’s Menu

Tonight we are leaving Budapest and sail towards Slovakia. While I enjoyed the few days in Budapest, I am looking forward to Bratislava.

See more pics of the ship on my Facebook Album AMA Waterways Danube River Cruise:  http://tinyurl.com/yygz24fp